As a researcher my main areas of interest relate to transitions and children’s learning and development. These interests interweave, with a central focus on the ways in which learning can be fostered within and across settings, and some of the dilemmas associated with this. My central research focus has been on the transition from early childhood education to school. I have also grown increasingly interested in transitions across different aspects of the lifespan and transitions in thinking. Currently, I am fascinated by the notions of liminal spaces, borders and borderlands. This has extended into exploring cultural borders, and I have been privileged to be working in partnership with Māori researchers on a number of projects.

My publications reflect my ability to contribute new ideas to the discipline, engage in international peer-reviewed scholarship and also a commitment to present findings and theory in ways that make a difference to teachers and therefore to children. My research across the ECE and school sectors led to being part of the writing team for the refresh of the early childhood curriculum Te Whāriki (2017) and the Ministry of Education’s resource document for teachers on Transitions and Pathways. More recently I contributed to the development of the maths component of Kōwhiti Whakapae and worked with the Ministry of Education on a Maths Kaiako Guide. Currently I am co-leading two research projects, one TLRI funded project exploring transitions to education in Aotearoa New Zealand for refugee and migrant children and their families and the other investigating how professional development for early childhood educators can contribute to 3-6-year-olds’ oral language, literacy and maths development.

In my role as Head of School (2015-2026), I had the honour to lead a fabulous team of academic and professional staff.